When Back-to-School Worries Don’t Go Away: Supporting Your Child’s Ongoing Anxiety

School’s been in session for a few weeks now, and while many children have settled into their routines, others are still struggling. If your child continues to feel anxious about school, you’re not alone. Some kids take longer to adjust—and in some cases, anxiety can actually increase after the initial excitement wears off.

Whether it’s worry about being away from home, stress about friends or schoolwork, or just an overall sense of overwhelm, ongoing anxiety can affect a child’s mood, sleep, and ability to enjoy daily life.

Here’s what to watch for, and how you can support your child through it.

What Anxiety Can Look Like in Kids

Anxiety doesn’t always look like fear or panic. It can show up in more subtle ways. Some kids complain of frequent stomachaches or headaches, especially in the morning. Others may become irritable, withdrawn, or more emotional than usual. You might notice them avoiding conversations about school, refusing to go, or simply seeming off without a clear explanation.

If your child is showing signs like these regularly, and it’s affecting their ability to function, it may be time to step in with more intentional support.

What Helps

Start with a conversation. Ask gentle, open-ended questions like, “What part of the day feels the hardest right now?” or “Is there something you wish I understood about how you're feeling?” Even if they don’t have clear answers right away, just knowing you’re there and interested helps them feel supported.

Normalize their feelings. It’s okay for kids to feel anxious about school—even weeks into the year. Avoid saying things like “There’s nothing to worry about,” and instead try: “I can see this is really bothering you. Let’s figure it out together.”

Stick to routines. When everything feels uncertain on the inside, predictable routines can help a child feel more grounded. Try to keep consistent schedules for mornings, after-school time, meals, and bedtime—even on weekends.

Help them make a plan. Instead of just reassuring them that everything will be fine, talk through what they can do when they feel anxious. For example: What can they do if they get nervous during a test? What if they feel left out at recess? When kids have a plan, they feel more in control.

Encourage—not force—facing fears. It’s tempting to let kids avoid school when they’re overwhelmed, but avoidance usually makes anxiety worse in the long run. Instead, support them in taking small, manageable steps toward facing what’s hard. Praise their effort, not just the outcome.

Pay attention to the basics. Lack of sleep and too much screen time (especially before bed) can make anxiety worse. Try to limit stimulating content before bedtime and make sure your child is getting enough rest.

Know when to reach out for help. If school anxiety is interfering with your child’s daily life, relationships, or emotional well-being, it might be time to talk with a mental health professional. Therapy can help kids learn practical coping skills and help parents feel less alone in the process.

Some children breeze through transitions, and others need more time—and more support. If your child is still feeling anxious about school, that doesn’t mean anything is wrong with them or with you.

With a little patience and the right tools, they can begin to feel more confident and in control. We are here to help!